Discover how women are breaking barriers in the skilled trades and franchising. Explore the benefits of franchise ownership and why the industry needs more female leaders driving innovation and success.
Her Story
About Beth
Beth Toenies is the Chief Operating Officer at 1-800-BOARDUP, a role she has held since 2014, and the Vice President of Franchise Development at BELFOR Franchise Group, a position she assumed in January 2025 following the 2022 acquisition of her company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Asbury University in 2006 and completed the leadership development program at the University of North Florida in 2015. In 2017 she obtained her Six Sigma black belt, and in 2022 she earned her PMP certification with PMI. Her professional expertise includes franchising, conflict resolution, communications, public speaking, and training. She maintains active memberships in the Project Management Institute and Women We Admire, where she has participated in mentorship programs. Outside her professional roles, Beth serves on the board of her local children's hospital, LEND Ministries, March for Dimes, and Ronald McDonald House while advocating for special needs causes. She attributes her success to a get-it-done mentality and a competitive spirit developed through sports. Beth values asking questions first rather than providing answers and seeking the positive in every situation. She advises being authentically oneself to make the biggest impact and encourages openness to learning from others in all seasons of life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Beth
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the get-it-done mentality that is inside my DNA and my competitive spirit that comes from playing sports.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to just be authentically you and you will make the biggest impact.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be open to learning from others in all seasons of life. There is something to take away from every story that you learn.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
We are seeing more smaller franchise brands launch that are PE-backed so the focus on partnership with the franchisee in many brands is getting less putting franchising in a jaded point of view as people think the franchisor is just in it to make money. Opportunities include getting multiple offers from employers and staying true and loyal to brands that have been loyal and grown with them.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Always ask questions first instead of giving answers. And look for the positive in every situation as there is always some view of it that could be positive.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Beth
Is there a place for women in the trades?
Why the skilled trades are the next frontier for women entrepreneurs and leaders.
For too long, the skilled trades have been viewed as a career path primarily for men. That perception is changing—and it should. Women are proving every day that they have the leadership, resilience, and operational expertise to thrive in industries such as restoration, home services, and franchising.
After more than two decades in franchising, I've seen firsthand that success in the trades isn't determined by gender. It's driven by leadership, problem-solving, communication, and the ability to build strong teams. Those are qualities women bring to the table every day.
A Business in a Box
One of the greatest advantages of franchising is that it provides what I like to call a "business in a box." Rather than navigating entrepreneurship alone, franchise owners benefit from proven systems, established marketing, technology, financial guidance, and operational support. Instead of learning through costly trial and error, they're equipped with tested processes and real-world data that allow them to focus on building a successful business from day one.
Just as valuable is the community that comes with franchising. New owners gain access to mentors, experienced operators, and a network of peers who are invested in one another's success. That support makes business ownership more accessible and far less intimidating, particularly for those entering the trades for the first time.
Women Investing in Home Service Franchises
I'm especially encouraged by the growing number of women investing in home service franchises. They're bringing fresh perspectives, operational excellence, and people-first leadership to an industry that continues to evolve. Many are building businesses that not only create financial independence but also provide the flexibility to design careers around the lives they want to lead.
The Trades Need More Women
The trades need more women—not because they are women, but because the industry needs great leaders. Home services offers meaningful work, the opportunity to serve families during difficult moments, and the chance to build lasting businesses that strengthen local communities.
My hope is that more women will see the trades not as an unexpected career path, but as an incredible opportunity to lead, grow, and leave a lasting impact. There has never been a better time to step into an industry where skill, determination, and leadership matter far more than stereotypes.
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